TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who lost his life in a crash which happened in Bromsgrove on Monday (August 25).
Paul Geevarghese Vembillil died at the scene of the incident which happened about 3.30pm on the junction of the High Street and The Strand.
The Land Rover Freelander Mr Vembilli was in was being driven down the A448 Stratford Road towards the town centre when it crashed into a lamp post.
Front seat passenger Mr Vembillil, aged 61, was pronounced dead at the scene while the two passengers in the back of the car escaped uninjured.
Mr Vembillil, known to his friends as Paulettan, lived in Redditch and was a loved member of the Kerala Cultural Association.
Lizomon Mapranath from the KCA said: “Redditch is deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Paul Vembillil.
“It is a great loss for not only the Kerala community but also for the whole of Redditch.
“Paulettan always spoke less but spoke boldly with advice for all ages.
“He was a loving husband, friendly father and caring family man which was an inspiration to others.
“Paulettan may not be with us today but his memories will keep him close to us for years to come.”
Mr Vembillil’s funeral will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Redditch next week.
Sgt Lee Baker from West Mercia Police added: “Our thoughts go out to the friends and family of the passenger during this sad time.
“We will be continuing with our investigations and would urge anyone who may have witnessed the collision or saw the Land Rover prior to the incident to contact us.”
Anyone with any information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. The inquest into Mr Vembillil’s death was opened on Wednesday (August 27).
A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drink driving and causing death by dangerous driving after the crash.
He is currently in custody in connection with the incident.
A great loss to the community: Mr Vembillil (right) is also pictured with with his wife Lissy and children Jijo and Jennet. (s)
